EP1206954B1 - Game machine, server system, information service method and recording medium - Google Patents
Game machine, server system, information service method and recording medium Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1206954B1 EP1206954B1 EP01302958A EP01302958A EP1206954B1 EP 1206954 B1 EP1206954 B1 EP 1206954B1 EP 01302958 A EP01302958 A EP 01302958A EP 01302958 A EP01302958 A EP 01302958A EP 1206954 B1 EP1206954 B1 EP 1206954B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- user
- information
- game
- game machine
- server
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 8
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 230000010365 information processing Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000015654 memory Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000284 extract Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/85—Providing additional services to players
- A63F13/87—Communicating with other players during game play, e.g. by e-mail or chat
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/30—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
- A63F13/35—Details of game servers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/30—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
- A63F13/33—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers using wide area network [WAN] connections
- A63F13/335—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers using wide area network [WAN] connections using Internet
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/30—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
- A63F13/35—Details of game servers
- A63F13/352—Details of game servers involving special game server arrangements, e.g. regional servers connected to a national server or a plurality of servers managing partitions of the game world
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/50—Controlling the output signals based on the game progress
- A63F13/53—Controlling the output signals based on the game progress involving additional visual information provided to the game scene, e.g. by overlay to simulate a head-up display [HUD] or displaying a laser sight in a shooting game
- A63F13/533—Controlling the output signals based on the game progress involving additional visual information provided to the game scene, e.g. by overlay to simulate a head-up display [HUD] or displaying a laser sight in a shooting game for prompting the player, e.g. by displaying a game menu
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/70—Game security or game management aspects
- A63F13/79—Game security or game management aspects involving player-related data, e.g. identities, accounts, preferences or play histories
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/70—Game security or game management aspects
- A63F13/79—Game security or game management aspects involving player-related data, e.g. identities, accounts, preferences or play histories
- A63F13/795—Game security or game management aspects involving player-related data, e.g. identities, accounts, preferences or play histories for finding other players; for building a team; for providing a buddy list
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/80—Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
- A63F13/822—Strategy games; Role-playing games
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/30—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by output arrangements for receiving control signals generated by the game device
- A63F2300/308—Details of the user interface
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/40—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of platform network
- A63F2300/407—Data transfer via internet
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/50—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/50—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers
- A63F2300/51—Server architecture
- A63F2300/513—Server architecture server hierarchy, e.g. local, regional, national or dedicated for different tasks, e.g. authenticating, billing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/50—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers
- A63F2300/55—Details of game data or player data management
- A63F2300/5546—Details of game data or player data management using player registration data, e.g. identification, account, preferences, game history
- A63F2300/556—Player lists, e.g. online players, buddy list, black list
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/50—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers
- A63F2300/57—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers details of game services offered to the player
- A63F2300/572—Communication between players during game play of non game information, e.g. e-mail, chat, file transfer, streaming of audio and streaming of video
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/80—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game specially adapted for executing a specific type of game
- A63F2300/807—Role playing or strategy games
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a (video) game machine that is connectable to an information service system such as a server via a communications network, and preferably applicable to receiving various information services from the server, and also relates to an information service system, an information service method and a recording medium associated with the video game machine.
- the online games include games a user plays individually, and games a group of users participate in like competing games.
- users decide a date for the game by telephone or E-mail.
- the users playing the game together are usually limited to familiar friends. Although it will also be possible to look for parties in a chat room (electronic forum) on the Internet, they are not always successfully found.
- an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine, a server system, an information service method and a recording medium allowing a user to look for peer users easily to share an information service with them such as in an online game.
- the video game machine since the video game machine allows its user to obtain personal information on other users, the user can look for users connected to the information service system easily.
- Fig. 1 shows a configuration of an entire network system of the present embodiment.
- the network system comprises a communications network 101, a server group 102 of a provider, and clients 103a, 103b, 104a and 104b, for example, connectable to the server group 102 via the communications network 101 to be used by a group of users.
- the server group 102, and the clients 103a, 103b, 104a and 104b each consist of a computer system.
- the server group 102 has its internal servers cooperate to provide various information services.
- An information service system consisting of a set of the servers in the server group 102 is installed in various countries all over the world, configuring the server group 102.
- the information service system includes authentication servers 111, contents servers 112, message servers 113, mail servers 114, game A servers 116a, game B servers 116b and profile servers 115.
- the authentication servers 111 manage accounts of member users (user IDs (identifiers)) and passwords.
- the authentication servers 111 can also manage the connection states (online/offline) of the users and the addresses of the client machines of the users in the online state.
- the contents servers 112 provide various pieces of information about sports, music, comics, shopping and the like.
- the message servers 113 provide an environment for real-time message exchanges between users. Specifically, they provide an environment for the users to activate a messenger application and chatting application on the client machine. The message servers 113 also perform routing (establish destinations and routes) for delivering messages exchanged by the messenger application and chatting messages of the chatting application.
- the mail servers 114 provide an E-mail exchange service between users.
- the game A servers 116a and game B servers 116b provide online games.
- the user activates an online game in the game server from a viewer to play it.
- the online game is a role-playing game (game in which the user participates as a character of the game)
- he or she can play the role-playing game with other member users.
- the profile servers 115 store a status file in a memory to manage for each user's account the profile of the user associated with the account, and status information, short messages and the like, which will be described later. Using the viewer the user can record to the profile server 115 his or her own profile, a short message and information indicating whether the user is a child.
- the clients 103a and 103b may be a home video game machine such as a PlayStation II (trade mark) of Sony Corp.
- the clients 104a and 104b may be a general purpose personal computer (called PC from now on).
- the clients can load programs that relate to the present invention and will be described later from a recording medium such as a CDROM, and execute them.
- the clients 103a, 103b, 104a or 104b will be simply referred to as a client below.
- the communications network 101 interconnects the server group 102 and the clients 103a, 103b, 104a and 104b and the like.
- the present embodiment supposes the Internet as the communications network 101 that can use such common protocols as TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/Internet protocol), HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol), SMTP(simple mail transfer protocol) and FTP(file transfer protocol) for the data transfer.
- TCP/IP transmission control protocol/Internet protocol
- HTTP hypertext transfer protocol
- SMTP simple mail transfer protocol
- FTP file transfer protocol
- the description is made when the client is the home video game machine 103a.
- the client 103a comprises at least a main unit of the game machine, a television set, a CDROM driver and a controller.
- the main unit of the game machine activates the viewer, and accesses the server group 102.
- the television set outputs video and sound data supplied from the main unit of the game machine.
- the controller supplies the main unit of the game machine with a command from the user.
- the viewer is installed from the CDROM to the main unit of the game machine.
- the viewer incorporates the program of Fig. 5 so that the CPU in the main unit of the game machine executes the program, thereby carrying out the information processing of the present invention.
- the user can find the status (utilization status) of other member users of the information service system on the display screen of Fig. 6 using the game machine 103a.
- Each status indicates whether the member user is connected to the information service system, and when connected, the type of the information service used, and whether he or she is a child or not.
- each user records the names of other users whose status he or she wishes to be notified of from his or her client to the profile server 115.
- the file listing the names of the registered users is prepared for each user.
- the file is called a friend list.
- the names of other users whose status the user does not wish to be notified of can also be recorded from the client to the profile server 115 in the present embodiment.
- the file of the user names registered in this way is called a black list in the present embodiment.
- the black list is also prepared for each user.
- the authentication server 111 permits the access to the game server 116a.
- the game server 116a supplies the profile server 115 with the name of the user who starts the game ("akiko" in this case), the game name and the status, that is, the status information that indicates the start of the game in this case.
- the user name and the status information are stored in the profile data memory area along with the user name "akiko".
- the profile server 115 regularly transmits the client's status recorded in the friend list to the client A. Accordingly, as illustrated in Fig. 2, a message “enjoying adventure” indicating that "akiko” starts the game is displayed on the right of the user name [akiko] on the screen of the client A.
- the message “enjoying adventure” is a message assigned to a particular game, and when the user B starts another game, a message indicating its content is displayed instead.
- the message is prepared by the profile server 115, and is sent from the profile server 115 to the client 104a.
- the message on the upper left of the user name is a message the user of the client gives, which is called a short message in the present specification.
- the user B with the user name (“akiko") whom the user A selects and records in the friend list, accesses the information service system through the client
- the name of the information service the user B utilizes is displayed on the screen of the client A.
- the client 104a since the user's own status information is also sent from the profile server 115 to the client 104a along with his or her status information and the short message, the client 104a displays the status information and short message.
- the client 104b of the user B displays on its screen the status information of the clients of the users recorded in the friend list.
- Figs. 3 to 5 illustrate the contents of the information processing of the game server (an example of a server that provides the information service), the profile server and the client for executing such information processing, respectively.
- Figs. 3 to 5 are stored in hard disks in the apparatuses in the form of an object typified by a markup language document such as a computer executable program, script, or HTML document, so that they are loaded in the system memories to be executed by the CPUs.
- the program refers to an object described in a machine language a CPU can execute straightforwardly.
- the script refers to an object that defines the contents of the information processing so that the CPU can execute the contents through an interpreter, a program for translating the script into a machine language.
- the markup language document is analyzed by a program called a browser that executes operation instructions (called a "tag") defined in the markup language document.
- the game server 116a transfers to the profile server 115 the client name and information service name, the type name of the online game in this case, which are sent from the client. Subsequently, it starts the designated information service (S15).
- the game server 116a repeats the procedure of start ⁇ step S10 ⁇ S20 ⁇ S25 ⁇ END as in the conventional information service, thus, providing an online game for a group of users.
- the step S25 is a step to provide various information services.
- the step S30 is a step for determining whether an instruction or data related to the information service is inputted. The processing except for the above is performed in a step S40.
- the profile server 115 waits for information received from the information providing server or the client of the user.
- the profile server 115 writes the status information into the status information memory area (status file) corresponding to the user name (step S100 ⁇ S105).
- the client of the user transmits a status information request at fixed intervals while it is connected to the information service system.
- the profile server 115 extracts the status information, short message and the like from the user list corresponding to the user name of the client, and transmits them to the client that sent the request (step S110 ⁇ 115).
- the processing except for the above is performed in a step S130.
- a user search function is provided by the profile server 115.
- the profile server 115 receives a category such as a name of a particular online game as a search condition from the client of the user, the profile server 115 searches status information of all the users, and transmits the status information meeting the search condition given by the client that sent the search request to that client.
- the search results include the number of users satisfying the search condition.
- the user status information obtained as the search result exceeds a predetermined number, say 20, the status information is sent to the client 20 pieces of information at a time in response to the request from the client side (step S120 ⁇ S125).
- the status information associated with user names listed in the black list is removed from the transmitted information.
- an internal timer or the like continues to count 10 second intervals after the connection of the information service system, so that the status information request is sent to the profile server 115 at every 10 seconds interval.
- the profile server 115 sends the user status information described in the friend list.
- the client displays the status information on its screen (step S210 ⁇ S215).
- Fig. 6 illustrates the status information on the search screen of the user.
- the reference numeral 1005 designates an icon indicating whether the client is connected to the information service or not by different shapes of the icon.
- the reference numeral 1009 designates the user name; 1010 designates information indicating a child; 1011 designates the type of the information service, the name of the online game, here; and 1012 designates a status (operation state).
- the user inputs the category using a search condition input screen not shown. For example, when the user inputs a particular online game as the category (YES in step S200), the client sends the inputted information as a request for search to the profile server 115 (step S201). The profile server 115 sends the user status information associated with the input category back to the client that sent the search request. Then, the client displays the status information in the fashion as illustrated in Fig. 6 (step S202).
- the display screen of Fig. 6 will be described briefly.
- the reference numeral 1001 designates an area for displaying the category search condition.
- 1002 designates a category type;
- 1003 designates the number of users satisfying the search condition;
- 1004 designates a short message, a message registered by the user with the user name displayed.
- ID utilization states short messages 1 Let's enjoy adventure party 2 enjoying adventure enjoying adventure 3 item is on sale item sell
- the short message corresponding to the user utilization state is set in advance as shown in Table 1, so that the user can find the utilization state at a glance.
- the short messages corresponding to the utilization states are displayed on the side of the user names in the form of icon (e.g., balloon) as illustrated in Fig. 6.
- icon e.g., balloon
- the server side prefferably record correspondence between the "utilization states (objects)" and the short messages in advance, so that the short messages can also be transmitted from the server to the client as the personal information. In this way, the client can display the short messages without setting them by itself.
- the profile server has a friend list registered by each user, which includes personal information of his or her friends.
- the personal information which includes the utilization states of the information server, is transferred from the information server to the profile server when the utilization state varies, so that the personal information is updated.
- the profile data is regularly transmitted to the client.
- the client can check the condition of each friend on the screen.
- displaying the short message the user registered in advance according to the "object" can facilitate checking the conditions of the friends.
- the reference numeral 1005 designates an icon indicating whether the user is registered (connected) to the information service system, in which different icons are displayed depending on whether the connection is established or not.
- the images of the icons are prepared on the client side, so that the client can select the icon to be displayed in response to the status information sent from the profile server 115.
- the reference numeral 1009 designates a user name of a member of the information service system.
- 1011 designates an information service name in use.
- the reference numeral 1010 designates an icon showing that the user is a child and 1012 designates the operation state of the client of the user.
- the reference numeral 1006 designates a button (called “BACK button” from now on) for returning the display of the search result to a preceding screen.
- 1007 designates a sort button for rearranging the search results so that the display is rearranged in each predetermined field in response to the manipulation of the button.
- 1008 designates a button (called NEXT button from now on) to proceed to the next search result screen.
- the profile server 115 in response to the search condition the user sends to the profile server 115, the profile server 115 transmits the short message, information about connection/disconnection to the information service system, information on whether the user is a child or not, and the message indicating the operation state to the client as the status information satisfying the search condition, so that they are displayed on the client as illustrated in Fig. 6.
- the sort instruction is sent from the client to the profile server 115, so that the profile server 115 carries out the sorting and sends the results back to the client.
- the client displays the sorting result on its screen (step S220 ⁇ S225).
- the request for the preceding 20 pieces of the status information in the search result is sent from the client to the profile server 115, so that the status information is sent to the client.
- the client displays the status information on its screen (step S230 ⁇ S235).
- the request for the next 20 pieces of the status information in the search result is sent from the client to the profile server 115, so that the status information is sent to the client.
- the client displays the status information on its screen (step S240 ⁇ S245). Processing excepting for the above is performed in a step S250.
- peer-based storage could be used, with the profiles being held at clients and interrogated as necessary.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Information Transfer Between Computers (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a (video) game machine that is connectable to an information service system such as a server via a communications network, and preferably applicable to receiving various information services from the server, and also relates to an information service system, an information service method and a recording medium associated with the video game machine.
- As a communications network such as the Internet becomes popular, online games are started which have a video game machine connected to a server connected to the Internet to carry out games using game related information provided by the server.
- The online games include games a user plays individually, and games a group of users participate in like competing games.
- An example for a computer network architecture for playing multi-user games over a network is given in WO95/31061. Multiple remote players are linked to a server to enable playing real-time games. Moreover, the controller input of players throughout the course of a game is completely recorded. It can be downloaded by every other player for replay purposes.
- To play an online game in which a group of users participate, users decide a date for the game by telephone or E-mail.
- Accordingly, the users playing the game together are usually limited to familiar friends. Although it will also be possible to look for parties in a chat room (electronic forum) on the Internet, they are not always successfully found.
- Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine, a server system, an information service method and a recording medium allowing a user to look for peer users easily to share an information service with them such as in an online game.
- This is achieved by the features of the independent claims.
- According to the present invention, since the video game machine allows its user to obtain personal information on other users, the user can look for users connected to the information service system easily.
- The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
- Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
- Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the content of the information processing of the embodiment in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;
- Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the content of the information processing on a server side according to an aspect of the present invention;
- Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the content of the information processing on the profile server side according to an aspect of the present invention;
- Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the content of the information processing on a client side according to an aspect of the present invention; and
- Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen on the client side according to an aspect of the present invention.
- An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- Fig. 1 shows a configuration of an entire network system of the present embodiment. In Fig. 1, the network system comprises a
communications network 101, aserver group 102 of a provider, andclients server group 102 via thecommunications network 101 to be used by a group of users. Theserver group 102, and theclients - The
server group 102 has its internal servers cooperate to provide various information services. An information service system consisting of a set of the servers in theserver group 102 is installed in various countries all over the world, configuring theserver group 102. The information service system includesauthentication servers 111,contents servers 112,message servers 113,mail servers 114,game A servers 116a,game B servers 116b andprofile servers 115. Theauthentication servers 111 manage accounts of member users (user IDs (identifiers)) and passwords. Theauthentication servers 111 can also manage the connection states (online/offline) of the users and the addresses of the client machines of the users in the online state. Thecontents servers 112 provide various pieces of information about sports, music, comics, shopping and the like. - The
message servers 113 provide an environment for real-time message exchanges between users. Specifically, they provide an environment for the users to activate a messenger application and chatting application on the client machine. Themessage servers 113 also perform routing (establish destinations and routes) for delivering messages exchanged by the messenger application and chatting messages of the chatting application. - The
mail servers 114 provide an E-mail exchange service between users. - The
game A servers 116a andgame B servers 116b provide online games. The user activates an online game in the game server from a viewer to play it. For example, if the online game is a role-playing game (game in which the user participates as a character of the game), he or she can play the role-playing game with other member users. - The
profile servers 115 store a status file in a memory to manage for each user's account the profile of the user associated with the account, and status information, short messages and the like, which will be described later. Using the viewer the user can record to theprofile server 115 his or her own profile, a short message and information indicating whether the user is a child. - The
clients clients clients - The
communications network 101 interconnects theserver group 102 and theclients communications network 101 that can use such common protocols as TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/Internet protocol), HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol), SMTP(simple mail transfer protocol) and FTP(file transfer protocol) for the data transfer. - In the present embodiment, the description is made when the client is the home
video game machine 103a. - The
client 103a comprises at least a main unit of the game machine, a television set, a CDROM driver and a controller. The main unit of the game machine activates the viewer, and accesses theserver group 102. The television set outputs video and sound data supplied from the main unit of the game machine. The controller supplies the main unit of the game machine with a command from the user. The viewer is installed from the CDROM to the main unit of the game machine. In the present embodiment, the viewer incorporates the program of Fig. 5 so that the CPU in the main unit of the game machine executes the program, thereby carrying out the information processing of the present invention. - More specifically, the user can find the status (utilization status) of other member users of the information service system on the display screen of Fig. 6 using the
game machine 103a. Each status indicates whether the member user is connected to the information service system, and when connected, the type of the information service used, and whether he or she is a child or not. - It is also possible to limit the users whose status are to be reported. In this case, each user records the names of other users whose status he or she wishes to be notified of from his or her client to the
profile server 115. The file listing the names of the registered users is prepared for each user. In the present embodiment, the file is called a friend list. - In contrast, the names of other users whose status the user does not wish to be notified of can also be recorded from the client to the
profile server 115 in the present embodiment. The file of the user names registered in this way is called a black list in the present embodiment. The black list is also prepared for each user. - Taking account of the foregoing explanation, a reporting method of the status of other users will be described with reference to Fig. 2.
- Assume that a user B whose name is "akiko" accesses the information service using the
client 104b. After authenticating the user ID and the password, theauthentication server 111 permits the access to thegame server 116a. When the user B accesses thegame server 116a through theclient 104b, and starts a role-playing game, thegame server 116a supplies theprofile server 115 with the name of the user who starts the game ("akiko" in this case), the game name and the status, that is, the status information that indicates the start of the game in this case. The user name and the status information are stored in the profile data memory area along with the user name "akiko". - When the user name "akiko" is recorded in the friend list of the client of a user A (user name "naoko"), the
profile server 115 regularly transmits the client's status recorded in the friend list to the client A. Accordingly, as illustrated in Fig. 2, a message "enjoying adventure" indicating that "akiko" starts the game is displayed on the right of the user name [akiko] on the screen of the client A. The message "enjoying adventure" is a message assigned to a particular game, and when the user B starts another game, a message indicating its content is displayed instead. The message is prepared by theprofile server 115, and is sent from theprofile server 115 to theclient 104a. The message on the upper left of the user name is a message the user of the client gives, which is called a short message in the present specification. - Thus, when the user B with the user name ("akiko"), whom the user A selects and records in the friend list, accesses the information service system through the client, the name of the information service the user B utilizes is displayed on the screen of the client A.
- In this system, since the user's own status information is also sent from the
profile server 115 to theclient 104a along with his or her status information and the short message, theclient 104a displays the status information and short message. - Likewise, the
client 104b of the user B displays on its screen the status information of the clients of the users recorded in the friend list. - Figs. 3 to 5 illustrate the contents of the information processing of the game server (an example of a server that provides the information service), the profile server and the client for executing such information processing, respectively.
- The procedures as illustrated in Figs. 3 to 5 are stored in hard disks in the apparatuses in the form of an object typified by a markup language document such as a computer executable program, script, or HTML document, so that they are loaded in the system memories to be executed by the CPUs. Here, the program refers to an object described in a machine language a CPU can execute straightforwardly. The script refers to an object that defines the contents of the information processing so that the CPU can execute the contents through an interpreter, a program for translating the script into a machine language. The markup language document is analyzed by a program called a browser that executes operation instructions (called a "tag") defined in the markup language document.
- Next, taking an example of the
game server 116a, the operation of the server providing the information service will be described with reference to Fig. 3. - Receiving a first access request from a client (step S10), the
game server 116a transfers to theprofile server 115 the client name and information service name, the type name of the online game in this case, which are sent from the client. Subsequently, it starts the designated information service (S15). - During the communications for the information service, the
game server 116a repeats the procedure of start → step S10 → S20 → S25 → END as in the conventional information service, thus, providing an online game for a group of users. When the information service is completed, information indicating the completion is sent to the profile server 115 (step S30 → S50). Here, the step S25 is a step to provide various information services. The step S30 is a step for determining whether an instruction or data related to the information service is inputted. The processing except for the above is performed in a step S40. - The processing of the
profile server 115 will now be described with reference to Fig. 4. - Iterating the procedure as illustrated in Fig. 4, the
profile server 115 waits for information received from the information providing server or the client of the user. When the status information and user name are sent from the information providing server, theprofile server 115 writes the status information into the status information memory area (status file) corresponding to the user name (step S100 → S105). - The client of the user transmits a status information request at fixed intervals while it is connected to the information service system. Receiving the request, the
profile server 115 extracts the status information, short message and the like from the user list corresponding to the user name of the client, and transmits them to the client that sent the request (step S110 → 115). The processing except for the above is performed in a step S130. - In the present embodiment, a user search function is provided by the
profile server 115. To achieve it, receiving a category such as a name of a particular online game as a search condition from the client of the user, theprofile server 115 searches status information of all the users, and transmits the status information meeting the search condition given by the client that sent the search request to that client. The search results include the number of users satisfying the search condition. Although it will be described later, when the user status information obtained as the search result exceeds a predetermined number, say 20, the status information is sent to theclient 20 pieces of information at a time in response to the request from the client side (step S120 → S125). Here, the status information associated with user names listed in the black list is removed from the transmitted information. - The operation of the client side will now be described with reference to the Fig. 5.
- On the client side, an internal timer or the like continues to count 10 second intervals after the connection of the information service system, so that the status information request is sent to the
profile server 115 at every 10 seconds interval. In response to the request, theprofile server 115 sends the user status information described in the friend list. Thus, the client displays the status information on its screen (step S210 → S215). - An example of the display is illustrated in Fig. 6. Note that Fig. 6 illustrates the status information on the search screen of the user. In Fig. 6, the
reference numeral 1005 designates an icon indicating whether the client is connected to the information service or not by different shapes of the icon. Thereference numeral 1009 designates the user name; 1010 designates information indicating a child; 1011 designates the type of the information service, the name of the online game, here; and 1012 designates a status (operation state). - The user inputs the category using a search condition input screen not shown. For example, when the user inputs a particular online game as the category (YES in step S200), the client sends the inputted information as a request for search to the profile server 115 (step S201). The
profile server 115 sends the user status information associated with the input category back to the client that sent the search request. Then, the client displays the status information in the fashion as illustrated in Fig. 6 (step S202). - The display screen of Fig. 6 will be described briefly. The
reference numeral 1001 designates an area for displaying the category search condition. 1002 designates a category type; 1003 designates the number of users satisfying the search condition; and 1004 designates a short message, a message registered by the user with the user name displayed.(TABLE 1) ID utilization states short messages 1 Let's enjoy adventure party 2 enjoying adventure enjoying adventure 3 item is on sale item sell - On the client side, the short message corresponding to the user utilization state is set in advance as shown in Table 1, so that the user can find the utilization state at a glance.
- In response to the utilization states of the individual users sent from the server side, the short messages corresponding to the utilization states are displayed on the side of the user names in the form of icon (e.g., balloon) as illustrated in Fig. 6.
- Although the message "Let's enjoy adventure" has one-to-one correspondence with the word [party] in Fig. 6, other phrases of the same meaning as the message "Let's enjoy adventure" can be used such as "looking for participants" and "standby adventure" in correspondence to the word [party]. Likewise, a single short message can correspond to a group of utilization states of the same meaning.
- It is also possible for the server side to record correspondence between the "utilization states (objects)" and the short messages in advance, so that the short messages can also be transmitted from the server to the client as the personal information. In this way, the client can display the short messages without setting them by itself.
- Thus, in the present embodiment, the profile server has a friend list registered by each user, which includes personal information of his or her friends.
- The personal information, which includes the utilization states of the information server, is transferred from the information server to the profile server when the utilization state varies, so that the personal information is updated. The profile data is regularly transmitted to the client.
- The client can check the condition of each friend on the screen. In this case, displaying the short message the user registered in advance according to the "object" can facilitate checking the conditions of the friends.
- The
reference numeral 1005 designates an icon indicating whether the user is registered (connected) to the information service system, in which different icons are displayed depending on whether the connection is established or not. The images of the icons are prepared on the client side, so that the client can select the icon to be displayed in response to the status information sent from theprofile server 115. - The
reference numeral 1009 designates a user name of a member of the information service system. 1011 designates an information service name in use. Thereference numeral 1010 designates an icon showing that the user is a child and 1012 designates the operation state of the client of the user. - The
reference numeral 1006 designates a button (called "BACK button" from now on) for returning the display of the search result to a preceding screen. 1007 designates a sort button for rearranging the search results so that the display is rearranged in each predetermined field in response to the manipulation of the button. 1008 designates a button (called NEXT button from now on) to proceed to the next search result screen. - In this configuration, in response to the search condition the user sends to the
profile server 115, theprofile server 115 transmits the short message, information about connection/disconnection to the information service system, information on whether the user is a child or not, and the message indicating the operation state to the client as the status information satisfying the search condition, so that they are displayed on the client as illustrated in Fig. 6. - When the user manipulates the
sort button 1007, the sort instruction is sent from the client to theprofile server 115, so that theprofile server 115 carries out the sorting and sends the results back to the client. The client displays the sorting result on its screen (step S220 → S225). - When the user manipulates the
BACK button 1006, the request for the preceding 20 pieces of the status information in the search result is sent from the client to theprofile server 115, so that the status information is sent to the client. The client displays the status information on its screen (step S230 → S235). - When the user manipulates the
NEXT button 1008, the request for the next 20 pieces of the status information in the search result is sent from the client to theprofile server 115, so that the status information is sent to the client. The client displays the status information on its screen (step S240 → S245). Processing excepting for the above is performed in a step S250. - Besides the foregoing embodiment, the following configuration can be implemented.
- 1) Although the foregoing embodiment uses the online game as the information service, the information service is not limited to the online game.
- 2) Although when a great number of pieces of the status information is present in the foregoing embodiment, a specific number of pieces is sent from the profile server to the client, the entire search result can be transmitted to the client.
- 3) The notification of the status information can take various shapes such as icons, characters, and figures.
- 4) The video game machine according to the present invention includes a dedicated video game machine, general-purpose personal computer, mobile phone, mobile information terminal and all other information processing devices available for receiving the information services from the information service system.
- 5) Although the Internet is supposed as the communications network in the foregoing embodiment, the communications network can include a LAN, public telecommunications network, and other communications networks.
- 6) The information services provided by the information service system refer to various services such as an online game, chatting (electronic forum), message communication, E-mail, transmitting and receiving services, etc.
- 7) Although the game server and the like detects the utilization state of the user, and the profile server notifies the client of the utilization state in the foregoing embodiment, the same server can detect the utilization state and notify of it.
- In addition to the server-based storage discussed above, peer-based storage could be used, with the profiles being held at clients and interrogated as necessary.
Claims (6)
- A server system connected to a group of game machines (103, 104) via a communication network (101) comprising:an information providing server for providing information to said game machines (103, 104); anda profile server (115) for storing personal information of at least a user of said game machines (103, 104),characterized in that
said profile server (115) storing a utilization state of said game information of at least a second user selected by a first user in advance as said personal information, wherein said personal information being updated in predetermined intervals, and
said server system transmitting said personal information to the game machine (103, 104) of said first user for display on said game machine (103, 104) of said first user. - A game machine connected to a server system (102) via a communication network (101), said server system (102) for providing information to said game machines (103, 104) and storing personal information of at least a user of said game machine (103, 104), said game machine comprising a display
characterized in that
said game machine receiving personal information from said server system (102) indicating a utilization state of said game information by at least a second user selected by a first user in advance, said personal information being updated in predetermined intervals, and for displaying said received personal information - A game machine according to claim 2, further comprising a setting system that sets a correspondence list used for displaying the utilization state of the information service by the second user in a predetermined format, wherein the utilization state of the information service by the second user is displayed in the predetermined format using the correspondence list.
- A game machine according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined format comprises icons (1005).
- A gaming system comprising a server system (102) connected via a communication network (101) to a group of game machines (103, 104), said server system (102) being in accordance with claim 1 and said game machine (103, 104) being in accordance with any of claims 2 to 4.
- A method for providing personal information of a user of a game machine (103, 104) from a server system (102) over a communication network (101) to a game machine (103, 104) of a another user, comprising the steps of:providing a game information from said server system (102) to said game machines (103, 104),storing personal information of at least a user of said game machines (103, 104),characterized in that
a utilization state of said game information of at least a second user selected by a first user in advance is stored as said personal information, wherein said personal information being updated in predetermined intervals, and by the steps of;
transmitting said personal information to the game machine (103, 104) of said first user, and
displaying said transmitted personal information on said game machine (103, 104) of said first user.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2000351909 | 2000-11-17 | ||
JP2000351909A JP2002157204A (en) | 2000-11-17 | 2000-11-17 | Game device, server system, information service method, recording medium and program |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1206954A1 EP1206954A1 (en) | 2002-05-22 |
EP1206954B1 true EP1206954B1 (en) | 2006-05-17 |
Family
ID=18824877
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01302958A Expired - Lifetime EP1206954B1 (en) | 2000-11-17 | 2001-03-29 | Game machine, server system, information service method and recording medium |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20020090996A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1206954B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002157204A (en) |
DE (1) | DE60119670T2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (44)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6699125B2 (en) * | 2000-07-03 | 2004-03-02 | Yahoo! Inc. | Game server for use in connection with a messenger server |
CN1254295C (en) * | 2001-05-09 | 2006-05-03 | 世嘉股份有限公司 | Game apparatus, server apparatus, program and recording medium |
JP4492822B2 (en) * | 2002-06-11 | 2010-06-30 | 株式会社セガ | game machine |
AU2003242285A1 (en) | 2002-06-11 | 2003-12-22 | Sega Corporation | Game device |
JP4322614B2 (en) | 2003-09-30 | 2009-09-02 | 株式会社スクウェア・エニックス | Ad distribution system |
US8876606B2 (en) * | 2004-12-07 | 2014-11-04 | Microsoft Corporation | User-centric method of aggregating information sources to reinforce digital identity |
US7887419B2 (en) | 2004-12-07 | 2011-02-15 | Microsoft Corporation | Game achievements system |
US7621813B2 (en) | 2004-12-07 | 2009-11-24 | Microsoft Corporation | Ubiquitous unified player tracking system |
JP5001445B2 (en) * | 2005-05-06 | 2012-08-15 | 任天堂株式会社 | Communication game system |
JP4781743B2 (en) | 2005-05-06 | 2011-09-28 | 任天堂株式会社 | Communication game system |
US9159036B2 (en) * | 2005-11-18 | 2015-10-13 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Embedded gamer card across multiple devices and networks |
US20070218900A1 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2007-09-20 | Raj Vasant Abhyanker | Map based neighborhood search and community contribution |
US8874489B2 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2014-10-28 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Short-term residential spaces in a geo-spatial environment |
US9459622B2 (en) | 2007-01-12 | 2016-10-04 | Legalforce, Inc. | Driverless vehicle commerce network and community |
US9037516B2 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2015-05-19 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Direct mailing in a geo-spatial environment |
US9071367B2 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2015-06-30 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Emergency including crime broadcast in a neighborhood social network |
US9070101B2 (en) | 2007-01-12 | 2015-06-30 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Peer-to-peer neighborhood delivery multi-copter and method |
US8732091B1 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2014-05-20 | Raj Abhyanker | Security in a geo-spatial environment |
US9373149B2 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2016-06-21 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Autonomous neighborhood vehicle commerce network and community |
US9002754B2 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2015-04-07 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Campaign in a geo-spatial environment |
US9064288B2 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2015-06-23 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Government structures and neighborhood leads in a geo-spatial environment |
US8965409B2 (en) | 2006-03-17 | 2015-02-24 | Fatdoor, Inc. | User-generated community publication in an online neighborhood social network |
US8738545B2 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2014-05-27 | Raj Abhyanker | Map based neighborhood search and community contribution |
US9098545B2 (en) | 2007-07-10 | 2015-08-04 | Raj Abhyanker | Hot news neighborhood banter in a geo-spatial social network |
US8863245B1 (en) | 2006-10-19 | 2014-10-14 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Nextdoor neighborhood social network method, apparatus, and system |
US20090019004A1 (en) * | 2007-07-13 | 2009-01-15 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Notifications in a geo-spatial social network |
US20140230025A1 (en) * | 2006-11-22 | 2014-08-14 | Raj Abhyanker | Notifications in a geo-spatial social network |
JP5430054B2 (en) | 2007-03-13 | 2014-02-26 | 任天堂株式会社 | Network game system, game device, and game program |
KR20120106938A (en) * | 2009-09-08 | 2012-09-27 | 에보니, 엘엘씨 | Methods, computer program products, and systems for awarding items in a multiplayer online game |
CN102480487B (en) * | 2010-11-24 | 2015-04-01 | 阿尔卡特朗讯公司 | Multi-user on-line video game method based on authentication and system thereof |
JP5551801B2 (en) | 2012-02-06 | 2014-07-16 | 株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント | Management server, control method therefor, and management server and terminal device program |
JP5705888B2 (en) | 2012-02-06 | 2015-04-22 | 株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント | Management server, control method thereof, and program thereof |
JP2013178752A (en) * | 2012-02-06 | 2013-09-09 | Konami Digital Entertainment Co Ltd | Management server, control method thereof, and program thereof |
WO2014033919A1 (en) | 2012-08-31 | 2014-03-06 | Necカシオモバイルコミュニケーションズ株式会社 | Access permission system and access permission determination method |
US9439367B2 (en) | 2014-02-07 | 2016-09-13 | Arthi Abhyanker | Network enabled gardening with a remotely controllable positioning extension |
US9457901B2 (en) | 2014-04-22 | 2016-10-04 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Quadcopter with a printable payload extension system and method |
US9004396B1 (en) | 2014-04-24 | 2015-04-14 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Skyteboard quadcopter and method |
US9022324B1 (en) | 2014-05-05 | 2015-05-05 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Coordination of aerial vehicles through a central server |
US9441981B2 (en) | 2014-06-20 | 2016-09-13 | Fatdoor, Inc. | Variable bus stops across a bus route in a regional transportation network |
US9971985B2 (en) | 2014-06-20 | 2018-05-15 | Raj Abhyanker | Train based community |
JP6509507B2 (en) * | 2014-07-17 | 2019-05-08 | 任天堂株式会社 | Game system, terminal device, computer program and information display method |
US9451020B2 (en) | 2014-07-18 | 2016-09-20 | Legalforce, Inc. | Distributed communication of independent autonomous vehicles to provide redundancy and performance |
JP6649709B2 (en) | 2015-06-29 | 2020-02-19 | 任天堂株式会社 | Information processing system, information processing system control method, and information processing system control program |
US10459450B2 (en) | 2017-05-12 | 2019-10-29 | Autonomy Squared Llc | Robot delivery system |
Family Cites Families (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6692359B1 (en) * | 1991-02-15 | 2004-02-17 | America Online, Inc. | Method of interfacing on a computer network by visual representations of users, method of interacting and computer network |
WO1995031061A1 (en) * | 1994-05-05 | 1995-11-16 | Catapult Entertainment, Inc. | Network architecture for real-time video games |
US5793365A (en) * | 1996-01-02 | 1998-08-11 | Sun Microsystems, Inc. | System and method providing a computer user interface enabling access to distributed workgroup members |
US6009458A (en) * | 1996-05-09 | 1999-12-28 | 3Do Company | Networked computer game system with persistent playing objects |
IL119364A (en) * | 1996-10-06 | 2000-11-21 | Icq Inc | Communications system |
US6119229A (en) * | 1997-04-11 | 2000-09-12 | The Brodia Group | Virtual property system |
JPH11259393A (en) * | 1997-11-21 | 1999-09-24 | Hitachi Ltd | User icon and network system |
EP0944004B1 (en) * | 1998-03-18 | 2008-02-06 | Sony Deutschland GmbH | IRC name translation protocol |
US6487583B1 (en) * | 1998-09-15 | 2002-11-26 | Ikimbo, Inc. | System and method for information and application distribution |
WO2000029084A1 (en) * | 1998-11-17 | 2000-05-25 | Sega Enterprises (Usa), Inc. | Tournament game system and method |
EP1078667B1 (en) * | 1999-01-28 | 2007-08-29 | Kabushiki Kaisha Sega doing business as Sega Corporation | Network game system, game device terminal used in it and storage medium |
SE9900710L (en) * | 1999-02-25 | 2000-08-26 | Ericsson Telefon Ab L M | Method and device relating to communication networks for mobile phones |
US6352479B1 (en) * | 1999-08-31 | 2002-03-05 | Nvidia U.S. Investment Company | Interactive gaming server and online community forum |
US6755743B1 (en) * | 1999-12-08 | 2004-06-29 | Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises | Communication game system and processing method thereof |
US6308327B1 (en) * | 2000-03-21 | 2001-10-23 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method and apparatus for integrated real-time interactive content insertion and monitoring in E-commerce enabled interactive digital TV |
US6699125B2 (en) * | 2000-07-03 | 2004-03-02 | Yahoo! Inc. | Game server for use in connection with a messenger server |
US6641481B1 (en) * | 2000-11-17 | 2003-11-04 | Microsoft Corporation | Simplified matchmaking |
-
2000
- 2000-11-17 JP JP2000351909A patent/JP2002157204A/en active Pending
-
2001
- 2001-03-29 DE DE60119670T patent/DE60119670T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-03-29 US US09/820,539 patent/US20020090996A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-03-29 EP EP01302958A patent/EP1206954B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE60119670T2 (en) | 2006-09-07 |
JP2002157204A (en) | 2002-05-31 |
US20020090996A1 (en) | 2002-07-11 |
DE60119670D1 (en) | 2006-06-22 |
EP1206954A1 (en) | 2002-05-22 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP1206954B1 (en) | Game machine, server system, information service method and recording medium | |
US10967276B2 (en) | Collaborative online gaming system and method | |
US9522334B2 (en) | Game control program, game device, game server, and game control method | |
KR101130381B1 (en) | Instant messaging embedded games | |
US7058690B2 (en) | Method for registering user information to exchange message on network | |
RU2439836C2 (en) | Server and method for realising computer communications for automatic performance and control of comparison | |
US7130884B2 (en) | Client system, message exchanging method, and recording medium | |
WO2022102761A1 (en) | Matching system, program, information processing terminal, and server | |
EP1125617A2 (en) | Video game launching server, and network-based video gaming system and method using the same | |
JP2002035427A (en) | Information providing system for multiple players game and information memory medium | |
JP2002346232A (en) | Server unit for net game, net game managing method and net game managing program | |
JP2000157724A (en) | Game system utilizing network, game machine connectable to network, medium storing program for the game machine | |
JP2002248273A (en) | Video game device and its control method, program of video game and computer readable storage medium for recording this program | |
JP2002011251A (en) | Information providing system for multiplayer game and information storage medium | |
JP2003047778A (en) | Managing server, game controlling method and recording medium thereof as well as computer program | |
JP4955160B2 (en) | Competitive network game system | |
JP4312415B2 (en) | Message exchange system and method, client system, recording medium, and program | |
JP2002035424A (en) | Automatic game matching using internet, network game meet managing system having victory recognizing function, and managing method for network game meeting | |
JP2002219280A (en) | Videogame system, method of controlling it, program of videogame, and computer readable storage medium | |
KR20050004760A (en) | Server device for network game, and method and computer readable media storing program for managing network game | |
EP1206955A2 (en) | Information terminal, information providing server, online game method and recording medium | |
JP2001224864A (en) | Internet game providing system and method | |
JP2003030362A (en) | Method, system, terminal, recording medium, and program for changing user name | |
JP2002336552A (en) | Game device, online informing method and program | |
JP2002331171A (en) | Game device, game control method, and storage medium and computer program therefor |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20021030 |
|
AKX | Designation fees paid |
Designated state(s): DE FR GB |
|
RAP1 | Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred) |
Owner name: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SQUARE ENIX |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20041124 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: MAEHIRO, KAZUTOYO,C/O SQUARE ENIX CO.,LTD. |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): DE FR GB |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 60119670 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 20060622 Kind code of ref document: P |
|
ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20070220 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: 732E |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: CD |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: TP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 16 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 17 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 18 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20200317 Year of fee payment: 20 Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20200318 Year of fee payment: 20 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20200214 Year of fee payment: 20 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R071 Ref document number: 60119670 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: PE20 Expiry date: 20210328 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION Effective date: 20210328 |